The British Worker
Wednesday 5th May,
MESSAGE TO ALL WORKERS
The General Council of the Trades Union Congress wishes to emphasise the fact that this is an industrial dispute. It expects every member taking part to be exemplary in his conduct and not give any opportunity for police interference. The outbreak of any disturbance would be very damaging for the prospects of a successful termination of the dispute.
The Council asks pickets especially to avoid obstruction and to confine themselves strictly to their legitimate duties.
MAGNIFICENT LOYALTY
…On behalf of the Miners’ Federation we express our heartfelt thanks … we have laboured for a peaceful settlement, but the Government, not only by its words, but by its actions, has shown only too plainly that peace is not what it desires.
In insisting that the miners should pledge themselves to accept a reduction in wages before even entering negotiations, advanced an unheard of demand which no body of Trade Unionists could accept.
SUNDAY NIGHT’S BREAK
In suddenly breaking off negotiations with the General Council and the Miners’ Federation on Sunday night, it revealed its determination to force upon the Trade Union movement a struggle for which the Government had long prepared.
It is on the Government, and the Government alone, that the responsibility for the present situation rests …
OFFICIAL T.U.C. STATEMENT
(Given by Mr. POULTON)
All reports we have had today go to show that there is the same solidarity and unanimity as on the first day of the strike. The machine is working in a way that has exceeded our expectations, despite any statements that may be made to the contrary by other parties …
Nothing has yet been decided as to an extension of the strike or the calling out of the ‘second line of defence’ … the unions not included in the first schedule. The matter was at present under consideration.
So far as the electricity supply was concerned, there were difficulties, especially in regard to distribution, and the unions concerned had been asked to formulate a policy in relation to power and light …
The question of extending the stoppage to the Post Office telegraphs and mails had not yet been officially before Council. There had never been anything like such a general closing down of the railways as at present existed. There had been wholesale compliance with the Council’s order by the three railway unions, and resolutions were pouring into the offices from all quarters giving enthusiastic support for the policy of the Council.
Some of the statements issued by the railway companies were, he declared, mere camouflage …
The British Worker May 9
The workers must not be misled by Mr. Baldwin’s renewed attempt last night to represent the present strike as a political issue.
The trade unions are fighting for one thing only – to protect the miners’ standard of life. The General Council never broke off negotiations. This was done by the Cabinet upon an isolated and unauthorised incident at a most promising stage of the discussions.
The General Council is prepared at any moment to resume those negotiations where they have been left off. It has been urged to do so by the united Churches of the country, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. But this appeal was withheld from the nation by the Broadcasting Company. Why?
The Prime Minister pleads for justice. He can get justice by going back to the Friday before the mineowners’ lockout notices took effect and recreating the atmosphere of hope which then prevailed.
The Prime Minister pleads for peace, but insists that the General Council is challenging the Constitution. That is untrue.
The General Council does not challenge one rule, law or custom of the Constitution, it asks only that the miners be safeguarded. In the words of the Report itself, no revision of wages should be made until there is an acceptance by all parties of such measures of reorganisation as will secure to the industry a new lease of prosperity leading to higher wages.
May 10 The British Worker
ALL’S WELL
We are entering upon the second week of the general stoppage in support of the mineworkers. Nothing could be more wonderful than the magnificent response of millions of workers to the call of their leaders … all ranks are solid … resolute in their determination to resist the unjust attack upon the mining community.
The General Council desire to express their keen appreciation of the loyalty of the Trade Union members … They are especially desirous of commending the workers on their strict obedience to the instruction to avoid all conflict … Their behaviour during the first week of the stoppage is a great example to the whole world.
The General Council’s message at the opening of the second week is:- “Stand Firm. Be Loyal to Instructions and Trust your Leaders.”
The British Worker May12
GREAT STRIKE TERMINATED
Trades Union General Council General Council satisfied that Miners will get a fair deal.
How Peace Came
Telegrams already sent to all Unions concerned to instruct their Branches at once.
Miners call Delegate Conference
The British Worker May 12-13
The General Council, through the magnificent support and solidarity of the trade union movement has obtained assurances that a settlement of the mining problem can be secured which justifies them in bringing the general stoppage to an end. Conversations have been proceeding between the General Council representatives and Sir Herbert Samuel … The Government has decided that under no circumstances could negotiations take place until the General Strike had been terminated, but the General Council feel as a result of the conversations with Sir Herbert Samuel and the proposals which are embodied in the correspondence and documents which are enclosed that sufficient assurances have been obtained …